A condolence visit was paid by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the Alarere residence of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, where he praised the impact of his short reign.
Oba Balogun, who passed away on March 14 at the age of 81 after a two-year reign, was described by Obasanjo as a personal friend.
In his words, “The late Olubadan was not a stranger to me; he was a friend, and it is my obligation to visit his family. He fulfilled his role excellently; he was ‘Gbobaniyi’.”
“Naturally, we would have preferred him to be with us for a longer period, but God’s plan surpasses ours. As the Yoruba saying goes, ‘o wuni ka jeran pe lenu, oofa ona ofun o je,’ which means, as much as we desire to have the meat in our mouths, the throat’s obstruction prevents us.
“As I mentioned, God’s plan is supreme. If his death was delayed but something worse occurred, how would we have reacted? We appreciate God for him; it is not about the duration but about the quality.”
In the condolence register, he wrote: “Kabiyesi Balogun, rest in peace.”
Obasanjo was welcomed by two of the Oloris, Olayinka and Olufunmilayo, along with some of the late monarch’s children.
The Bobajiro of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Head of Service, Tajudeen Aremu, characterized Obasanjo’s visit as a genuine display of love.
Aremu stated, “Our late father can no longer assist anyone; he is no more capable of providing anything, be it material or spiritual, so any gesture towards him now is not expecting a return, but stems from sincere love and care.
“The family expresses gratitude to Your Excellency, and our prayers are for God to preserve you further for the nation in general and for the Yoruba people in particular.”
Previously, the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, recalled that Obasanjo was one of the dignitaries who visited the late Olubadan before his coronation, and his present visit after the monarch’s passing showcases the strong bond between them.